Live text

Reporting:

Last updated 22 May 2014

STANDARD 11:40

Dramatic developments in Thailand as the army chief gives a televised address to say the military has seized power, intending to restore order and enact political reforms.

STANDARD 11:41

Moments before, soldiers sealed off the venue in Bangkok where political factions had been holding talks for a second day and took away the leaders.

STANDARD 11:43

Thailand has suffered months of political turmoil, which earlier this month culminated in the court-ordered removal of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for alleged abuse of power.

STANDARD 11:47

Jonah Fisher, BBC News, Bangkok

says Thailand is a polarised society in many ways and the possibility of violence and unrest will be a source of concern for many Thais.

STANDARD 11:47

General Prayuth Chan-ocha said in his televised statement that the security forces needed to seize power "in order for the country to return to normal quickly".

STANDARD 11:48

"All Thais must remain calm and government officials must work as normal," Gen Prayuth also said.

STANDARD 11:50

The army's move apparently follows the failure by Thailand's rival political factions to reach a compromise during two days of military-mediated talks in Bangkok. But Thailand's military has a long history of forcibly shaping Thai politics through power seizures.

STANDARD 12:03

Thai soldiers move on to the streets of Bangkok following the army chief's announcement

TWEET

Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch

: No more pretending: #Thailand military coup is really a coup. Careful now as military tries to censor media coverage. http://trib.al/CtgkniN

STANDARD 12:07

BBC's @JonahFisher in Bangkok told BBC Outside Source radio programme that various protest leaders have been detained, and it is not clear where they've been taken - soldiers are now trying to clear journalists from scene at Army Club, where talks were taking place.